The Cebu Provincial Government has extended its ban on the entry of live hogs, pork and pork products from African swine fever (ASF)-affected areas as it continues to protect the province’s swine industry from the disease.
Gov. Pamela Baricuatro signed Executive Order No. 44, Series of 2026, extending by another 45 days the restriction imposed under Executive Order No. 38.
The extension brings the total duration of the restriction to 90 days from the original effectivity of EO 38.
The ban covers shipments from Negros Island and other provinces or areas identified as affected by ASF.
It prohibits the entry, transport, shipment, delivery or introduction into Cebu of live domestic and wild hogs, as well as fresh, chilled and frozen pork.
Processed pork and other pork-derived products are also covered by the restriction.
The provincial government may include other swine products, by-products, materials or articles considered potential carriers of ASF based on recommendations from the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO), Department of Agriculture (DA) or Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI).
The extension comes as Cebu continues to monitor the ASF situation in Negros Island and other affected areas.
The executive order cited the continued presence and threat of ASF, as well as the proximity of Negros Island to Cebu and the regular movement of people and goods between the areas, as reasons for maintaining precautionary measures.
The additional 45-day restriction will remain in effect unless lifted, modified or further extended based on a recommendation from the PVO.
The recommendation will consider official advisories, surveillance data, risk assessments and issuances from concerned authorities.
Alongside the extended ban, the provincial government ordered stricter biosecurity measures for hog raisers, swine farms, livestock traders, meat dealers, slaughterhouses, transporters and other stakeholders.
Measures include limiting access to swine farms, maintaining disinfection facilities and regularly cleaning and disinfecting vehicles, equipment, crates, footwear and clothing used in swine operations.
Farm operators must immediately isolate animals showing symptoms associated with ASF and report suspected cases to their city or municipal veterinarian or the PVO.
They are also prohibited from bringing animals into their facilities without the required veterinary health certificates, shipping permits and other documents.
The provincial government will also strengthen inspections at ports, airports, wharves, roll-on/roll-off facilities, private landing areas and other points of entry.
The PVO will coordinate with national agencies, local governments, port authorities, law enforcement agencies and other concerned offices to enforce the restriction.
Unauthorized or prohibited shipments may be denied entry, confiscated, returned, disposed of or handled in accordance with existing laws and regulations.
The extended ban is intended to prevent the introduction of ASF into Cebu while authorities continue to assess the disease situation in areas supplying or moving swine and pork products toward the province.
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